Complete Explanation:An allegorical design on the cover of a piano-music composition dedicated to the newly elected Democratic governor of Massachusetts, Marcus Morton. The illustration's central motif is based on the state seal, showing an Indian warrior and a star on a shield, draped with the state and United States flags. (Oddly, the Indian's head is obscured by the flags, and weeds grow up around the shield--perhaps an editorial comment on the artist's part.) On a streamer is the state motto "Ense petit placidam [sub libe]rtate quietem" (With the sword she seeks peace under liberty). In the distance the state house (on the right) and the governor's mansion are visible.

The image is framed by two columns and a plinth made up wholly of type ornaments and printed in red ink.